-Hon. Osman Timbo Asserts

By John Kelly Marah
During a recent interview on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, Honourable Osman Timbo, responded to a question posed by the moderator regarding the growing public concern that if young people were given political power, they might misuse it.
In a clear and composed response, Hon. Timbo said, “The real question we should be asking is not whether young people can lead, but whether we, as young people, are ready to lead ourselves.

Citing the 2015 national census, Hon. Timbo highlighted that a staggering 86% of Sierra Leone’s population falls within the age bracket of 0–45. “If we truly want to lead, we must first undergo a shift in mindset,” he stated. According to Hon. Timbo, mindset change involves moving away from a culture of entitlement and blame, and instead embracing personal responsibility, discipline, and a vision beyond self-interest. ‘’Young people must recognize that leadership is not about power or popularity. It is about service, sacrifice, and accountability,’’ he remarked.

He stressed that leadership starts with how individuals lead their own lives—how they treat others, how they handle criticism, and how they hold themselves accountable. ‘’A leader with the right mindset focuses on long-term impact, not short-term gain,’’ he maintained.
He urged young people to develop a track record of honesty, humility, and consistency. “Let your character speak louder than your promises,” he said. In a world where social media often rewards style over substance, he encouraged young aspiring leaders to be known for their actions and values rather than their appearances or slogans.

“My life is an open book,” he added, emphasizing the importance of transparency in public service. He believes that trust is earned through integrity, and that true leaders must welcome scrutiny and lead with a clean conscience. In closing, Honourable Timbo challenged the youth of Sierra Leone to rise to the occasion. “We are not just the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “We are the leaders of today. And if we want a better future, we must begin by leading ourselves—honestly, wisely, and courageously.”